Crop Production & Molecular Technologies Division
Advancing Sustainable Crop Production
Led by Mrs. R. Mavuka, our Crop Production and Molecular Technologies Division delivers efficient, effective and sustainable crop best management practices while providing accurate and rapid molecular diagnostic services for pests, diseases and plant genotypes.
Division Mission
To develop and disseminate effective, efficient and environmentally sustainable tobacco best management practices that increase grower profits while providing information on optimal production methods.
Our Specialized Sections
Agronomy, Physiology and Soil Chemistry skills groups focused on sustainable crop management practices.
- • Crop nutrition research
- • Soil health studies
- • Weed research
- • Conservation agriculture
Research on improvement and production technology of different vegetable seedlings.
- • Vegetable seedling production
- • Production technology optimization
- • Cost minimization strategies
- • Commercial seedling sales
Commercial micropropagation services producing disease-free, uniform plant materials.
- • Irish potato mini tubers
- • Sweet potato vines
- • Cassava, bananas, berries
- • Custom propagation services
ISO 17025 accredited molecular diagnostic services for rapid pathogen identification.
- • GMO screening (72hrs)
- • Viral indexing (24hrs)
- • DNA fingerprinting
- • PCR-based diagnostics
Comprehensive Research Portfolio
Current Research Thrust Areas
WHO/FCTC Article 18 Compliance
Developing cropping systems that reduce soil degradation while increasing production and conserving soil as a natural resource base.
- • Evaluation of alternative rotation crops (Chia, Desmodium, Velvet bean)
- • Biofertilizer development and testing
- • N-Fix technology for nitrogen fixation from air
- • Soil health improvement strategies
Overcoming germination constraints to enable fast, uniform germination and better crop stands.
- • Seed priming protocol development
- • Commercial germination enhancer evaluation
- • Metabolic activity optimization
- • Resource mobilization improvement
WHO/FCTC Article 17 Response
Exploring economically viable alternatives to tobacco production.
- • Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa) production
- • Chia (Salvina hispanicum) cultivation
- • Agronomic optimization studies
- • Market viability assessments
Parasitic Weed Management
Comprehensive research program to establish the extent of parasitic weed infestations and develop effective management strategies.
Survey Activities
- • Striga spp. infestation mapping
- • Distribution pattern analysis
- • Economic impact assessment
- • Farmer knowledge surveys
Management Strategies
- • Trap crop evaluation (Sesame)
- • Desmodium companion planting
- • Integrated control approaches
- • Resistant variety screening
Partner with Our Crop Production Division
Interested in our research programs, molecular services, or tissue culture products? Contact our division to explore collaboration opportunities.